Nov. 19, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky volleyball team and head coach Craig Skinner announced the signing of two highly-ranked players to UK’s 2014 class on Wednesday.
Middle blocker Kaz Brown and outside hitter Darian Mack, both ranked in the top 80 of Prep Volleyball’s “Senior Aces” top 150, will join the Wildcats for the 2014 season.
“This class exemplifies our program and continues to move us forward in terms of talent level and potential,” Skinner said. “With Darian and Kaz signing now and one more to be added, this class has great natural talent, character, and upside. My staff did a great job recruiting these athletes and we are very excited to have them in the program.”
| Kaz Brown | |
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Brown, a 6’4 middle blocker from Waterloo, Iowa, comes to Kentucky as the No. 23 rated player by Prep Volleyball. She competes for Cedar Falls High School and the Six Pack Volleyball club and is a four-time All-Metro and All-Conference honoree. In high school, she is the career leader in kills, kills per set, kill efficiency, blocks and blocks per set. She led Class 5A in blocks and blocks per set while being selected to Iowa’s Senior All-Star Classic. Brown helped lead the Six Pack 16’s to a USAC national title in 2012 and was named MVP of the All-Tournament team. She is also an Honor Roll student. “Kaz was a highly sought after recruit over the last couple of years,” Skinner said. “She has a great competitive spirit about her and along with Darian, will alter how teams prepare for Kentucky with her great length at the net. Opponents know of Kentucky’s blocking ability and the addition of Kaz will only strengthen us in that skill. Her competitive edge will also help her score points for us and be a factor offensively.” |
| Darian Mack | |
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A native of Raleigh, N.C., Mack is a 6’0 outside hitter ranked No. 78 by Prep Volleyball. Attending Wakefield High School and also competing for the Triangle Volleyball Club, she was the captain of her high school squad this season and led Wakefield to a North Carolina High School 4A State Championship while earning MVP honors. A two-time all-conference selection, Mack helped Triangle Volleyball go to Nationals in 2012. She was named to the AVB Honor Roll and the National Achievers Society in addition to winning the Triple A Award, recognizing athletics, academics and attitude. “Darian is an explosive athlete with great length,” Skinner said. “She will change how teams prepare for us with her great blocking ability and height she plays above the net. As good as a player as she is now, Kentucky will reap the benefits of seeing her grow into a force at the collegiate level. The possibilities of her potential are very exciting.” |
Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum will play host to the NCAA Regionals Dec. 13-14. The regional will get underway Dec. 13, with semifinal contests at 5 and 7 p.m. ET, while the regional final will commence Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. UK is one of four sites selected for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups with one team advancing to the Final Four in Seattle, Wash., from the Lexington Region. This marks the second time in three seasons Memorial Coliseum will host this premier volleyball event. Tickets for the event are available now at UKathletics.com/tickets.
Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky volleyball team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info on the volleyball team like Kentucky Volleyball on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @KentuckyVB.
